China: Interference in Dalai Lama's Reincarnation Violates International Law
A newly published, updated report by the International Tibet Network and the Tibet Justice Center reveals the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) increasing attempts to gain control over the reincarnation system in Tibet, including the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama. The report, titled “Protecting Tibetan Religious Rights: Addressing China’s Reincarnation Policies,” details how Beijing’s continued interference violates the Tibetan people’s right to religious freedom under international law.
Building on the original 2022 publication, this update contains alarming new developments regarding China’s interference. The report also includes a new section that thoroughly analyses Beijing’s actions from international human rights standards. Based on Chinese state documents and policy papers, the report reveals the CCP’s intensifying campaign to manipulate the reincarnation process. This includes ongoing attempts to impose their own candidate for the 15th Dalai Lama, enforcing domestic laws to regulate reincarnations, and aggressively promoting the state-appointed Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu.
The report affirms the consistent and unequivocal position of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who has repeatedly stated that only he and the Tibetan people have authority over his reincarnation — and that the Chinese government has no role whatsoever in this matter. The Dalai Lama has furthermore clearly stated that, if the institution of reincarnation continues, his successor will be born outside the People’s Republic of China, and that both Tibetans and the international community should reject any candidate appointed by Beijing for political reasons.
The report also underscores the growing international recognition of and support for the right of Tibetan Buddhists to choose their religious leaders without external interference. It emphasises that the United States has formally affirmed this right through the Tibetan Policy and Support Act. In May 2025, the European Parliament adopted a similar position with the approval of a strong resolution that explicitly opposes China’s attempts to influence the succession of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The resolution emphasises that this decision belongs solely to the Tibetan Buddhist community.
The report also makes urgent recommendations to governments, including:
- Publicly acknowledging that the 14th Dalai Lama is the sole legitimate authority regarding his future reincarnation.
- Unequivocally rejecting any reincarnation appointed by the CCP.
- Demanding clear and verifiable information about the whereabouts and well-being of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who was forcibly disappeared by China in 1995.